Delhi rape: How civil society forced politicians to talk

New Delhi, Dec 19: Can these rapists be raped in the same moving bus, said a twitter message. Indeed, a strong comment. But these kind of reactions are forcing some movement on Delhi rape case and the issue of women's safety.

Sample some comments on twitter:

manothiagarajan: A catholic nation Ireland amended the law on abortion in 2 months for public interest..Why can't our govt. amend the #Rape laws

Meenu_71: Indian Politicians are realizing now that there sud (should) be a strict Law against rapist. Wah you needed gangrape to realize it?

rd_bhatnagar: What's wrong with men. They shud b (should be) using their might to protect, while they r (are) using it to destroy. 6 cowards against 1 woman

Prakash_Sharma: DelhiGangrape is not the worst or the most heinous. Only that it happened under the nose of seat of power. selective sensitivity?

On Wednesday, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde made another statement in parliament after sharing concerns of the MPs on Tuesday. The Delhi High Court also told the Delhi police to file a report on the case status in next two days and also ordered proper medical care for the rape victim and her male friend.

All of yesterday (Dec 18), there were protests by the public and the social media was inundated with messages of all hues and tone. The law makers had a discussion in parliament and suggested concrete steps like death for rapists to special force to protect women in public places.

How the nation came to be agitated, so suddenly? The crime was heinous, no doubt, but the pressure of the civil society was too much to ignore and the normally insensitive administration and casual politicians sprung to action. While most of response is rhetoric, promises seem reassuring.

The power of civil society became apparent with the Anna movement, however, without media support the force seems to lose steam. It is very important to retain the passion of cause and push on.

The public can take pride in recent achievements like reversal of arrest of two girls for comment on Facebook. Due to the public pressure, the government has promised to amend the IT Act (draconian section 66A). On Tuesday, the Palghar police withdrew charges against the two girls and also took into custody three more young men for the attack connected with Facebook comment.

Citizens come out to express concern

Volunteers of Better India held a candle light protest at India Gate in New Delhi on Tuesday night condemning the gang rape of a 23-year-old student on a city bus.

Women are worried

Volunteers of Better India at a protest at India Gate in New Delhi on Tuesday condemning the gang rape of in a city bus.

The law makers are helpless

Sushma Swaraj, Smriti Irani, Maya Singh and other BJP MPs joined the nationwide protest by holding demonstration at Parliament House against the rape case, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Is it just token protest by politicians?

Other women MPs, Harsimrat Kaur, Yashodhra Raje and Bhavana Gawali speak to media at Parliament House during their protest against the rape case, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Make city safe for women

Students and members of ABVP registered their anger and anguish outside the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit against the gangrape, in New Delhi on Tuesday.